What is the ruling regarding the disagreement within the Maliki school concerning the validity of an oath made by one's inner thoughts (hadith al-nafs), and is it permissible to adopt the view of the majority that it is not valid unless uttered verbally? Furthermore, what is the interpretation of the hadith, "Indeed, Allah has pardoned my Ummah for whatever thoughts they harbor within themselves, so long as they do not speak of it or act upon it," in the context of obsessive thoughts about swearing an oath and not remembering its details?

Waswas (definition) is a chronic disease that corrupts a person's religion and worldly life. The way to get rid of it is to ignore it, pay no attention to it, and ask Allah for well-being. An oath is not عقد (contracted/binding) by mere intention; rather, it must be uttered verbally, according to most scholars, based on the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "Indeed, Allah has pardoned for my Ummah whatever occurs to themselves, as long as they do not act upon it or speak of it." And the one afflicted with waswas is permitted to adopt the easiest and most lenient of opinions for his condition.